Morning on the Lake

Follow a young boy and his grandfather as they explore the beauty of the lake from their birchbark canoe.

Themes: Appreciating nature, contemplation, family, tradition

The cover of Morning On The Lake has an adult and a child canoeing on a lake

About the Author

“Jan Bourdeau Waboose is a Nishnawbe Ojibway from Northern Ontario… In her writing, she tries to convey the Native life she sees in her family, friends and community – a larger, fuller picture than the stereotypes prevalent in North American society, she says. In the late 1960s, Jan began a long-term relationship with the Indian Bands of Ontario, working with them for ten years and eventually heading their child welfare program. Her interest in writing developed in tandem with this organizational work. She has written for many Native magazines and newspapers on issues connected with child welfare. She has also tried to correct inaccurate media portrayals of Native people and Native life. And she has written personal material – stories and poems – which now, increasingly, are being published.”

Bio from Strong Nations Publishing website.

Headshot portrait of author Jan Bourdeau Waboose
Photo: Strong Nations Publishing

Discussion Questions

  1. What role does the lake play in this book? What is special about the lake to the young boy and his Mishomis, or grandfather?
  2. Why do the young boy and his Mishomis so often remain still or silent throughout the story?
  3. What do the young boy’s interactions with the animals teach him and the reader?
  4. Have you ever had a memorable encounter with a wild animal?
  5. Throughout the story, the young boy learns very much from his Mishomis. What have you learned from your grandparents, or from other older adults close to you?

Learning Activities

  1. Find a time to sit still and quietly outside in nature. Observe what you see, hear, feel, and smell! How does it make you feel? What does it tell you about the animals and plants around you?
  2. Sit down with a grandparent or older adult and ask them to share some of their knowledge or wisdom with you. If you want, you can even write it down.

Explore More

  • Explore these photos of animals commonly found in woods much like the woods in the book. Can you find any photos of wolves?
  • Download the app iNaturalist and use it to identify plants and animals that you see outside!